Summary

The computer games industry is one of the largest in the global creative sector, with exceptional job opportunities, and Britain is a market leader in this field. Whether you want to get into the games industry or a computer-generated arts career, this UAL Level 3 qualification is for you. The computer games industry employs people with skills in computer-based animation and art and special effects, and this course will give you a grounding in the core skills to take you forward with your chosen profession. Instead of just buying games, start making a career in something that you enjoy doing!

The end-of-course project is designed to simulate the pressures and excitement of working as a professional games designer. We aim to simulate the atmosphere and expectations that a learner will find when they leave us and find employment in the working world.

You will learn a combination of multimedia skills, including:

Year 1:

• Concept and digital art
• 3D modelling and animation
• Audio sourcing and utilisation
• The computer games industry
• Contextual studies
• Fundamentals of programming

Year 2:

• 3D environments
• 3D games design and production
• UI design
• Programming for computer games
• Contextual studies
• Narrative for computer games
• Audio production editing
• Marketing and advertising
• Entering industry or HE

This Level 3 course is based at our Filton campus, located in South Gloucestershire which is easily accessible from the city of Bristol by train (Bristol Parkway / Bristol Abbey Wood) and bus. As well as our Stroud campus in the centre of Gloucestershire, surrounded by the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The campus is a short walk from Stroud train station and easily accessible by bus.

What do I need to join?

Five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, or a relevant Level 2 qualification at merit grade or above. As this is a creative course, we would also like to see a portfolio of creative work at interview.

Maths & English

A key requirement for obtaining many jobs is to achieve a good standard of English and maths. Therefore learners that do not yet have a GCSE grade 4 (C) will be enrolled on either GCSE or Functional Skills programmes alongside their main course.

Work Experience

The end-of-course project is designed to simulate the pressures and excitement of working as a professional games designer. We aim to simulate as closely as possible the atmosphere and expectations that a learner will find when they leave us and find employment in the working world.

What can I do next?

For learners who excel, self-employment as a developer is an option. More commonly, learners go on to foundation degree courses, Level 4 HBD programmes or university courses in subjects such as games design, programming, graphic design, visual effects, animation, art, etc.